Low Vision

The doctors at Grove Eye Care help people with impaired vision use their remaining sight more effectively.

By performing a low vision examination, also called a functional vision assessment, we evaluate how you can use your remaining sight in performing daily living tasks. Based on this exam, we prescribe the latest customized low vision devices or technology that help you make the most of your vision.

Conditions and Symptoms

Macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve atrophy, retinal detachment, and vision loss due to stroke are some of the conditions that respond to our low vision rehabilitation services.

If you have any of the following symptoms – even with your current glasses – we can help:

Difficulty reading small print

Blurred distance vision

Sensitivity to glare

Poor night vision

Difficulty performing daily activities such as walking, cooking

Trouble with driving

Low Vision Aids

With the proper devices and training many of our patients with low vision continue to work, cook, participating in favorite activities, and, in some cases, even continue to drive. Low vision aids may include optical and prescribed devices or electronic aids.

electronic aids

Built-in adjustments in many computer programs allow some people with low vision to see the computer screen more easily. Making simple changes like adjusting the size of the type on the screen, the font style or the contrast, may increase readability. We can also suggest special computer software that can help.

Optical aids and bioptic glasses

Other low vision aids may include special magnifying glasses, reading telescopes or other special devices.

In Virginia, a resident with low vision may be permitted to drive, even with a vision level of 20/200, which is considered legally blind. How is this possible? By wearing special glasses called bioptic telescopic glasses.

These glasses have a telescope mounted just above the line of sight over one or both eyes and allow the driver to see small objects allowing them to safely operate a vehicle. In fact, drivers wearing bioptic glasses have a better driving record than the general public and their insurance costs are no more than that of normally sighted drivers.

Don’t let low vision slow you down. Contact the low vision experts at Grove Eye Care and get back to doing what you love.